The United States (US) committed over $400 million in new aid for Palestinians during an emergency summit in Jordan on Tuesday.
World leaders at the summit supported a US-led effort to establish a ceasefire as the key solution for the war-torn region of Gaza.
The urgent talks, initiated by Jordan and Egypt on the Dead Sea, come amid warnings from aid groups that conditions in Gaza are at an all-time low, with the entire population of over two million people dependent on inconsistent aid deliveries.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on a regional tour to promote a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, announced $404 million in aid for food, water, health supplies, and other necessities for the Palestinians.
Blinken criticized countries that have voiced concern for the suffering in Gaza but contributed little to the UN’s aid appeal, which is underfunded by about $2.3 billion.
He likely referenced China and Russia in his remarks. Blinken emphasized the need for all nations to contribute more, especially those with significant resources.
He urged countries to pressure Hamas into accepting the ceasefire proposal put forward by President Joe Biden on May 31, noting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had expressed support for it.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also endorsed the US-led proposal, stating that the violence in Gaza must end. He highlighted the unprecedented scale of destruction and loss of life he has witnessed during his tenure.
Since Israel launched its military operation on October 7, the new US aid pledge has increased its total contribution to $674 million.
Blinken did not detail the exact method of aid delivery, but the US has been working through the World Food Programme and private aid organizations.
The US remains the largest donor to the Palestinians while also providing Israel with $3.8 billion annually in military aid, including weapons used in Gaza.
However, the US Congress has prohibited additional funding to UNRWA, the main UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees.
